Travelling while autistic

How I manage my travel commitments

Listen to The Poetry Detective’s Overwintering episode, in which I feature, on BBC Radio 4 • I’ll be taking part in the Ceylon Literary Festival, 13th-15th February, in conversation with Helen Macdonald, and with Sukanya Wignaraja • Our next Book Club read will be The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating 🐌 by Elisabeth Tova Bailey.

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I travel a lot. Literary festivals, speaking engagements, book-shop visits, research trips: plenty of people travel more than me, for sure, but I definitely get around.

Quite a few neurodivergent readers have asked how I manage, and people often assume that it’s a terrible burden that I carry through obligation. The truth is that I used to feel that way, but I no longer do. I enjoy travelling, as long as it’s the right kind of travel. I think, essentially, I’ve developed a method and a mindset that helps me through.

Below are my personal tips and practices, but of course the right way to travel will be different for everyone. It’s safe to ignore all my ideas as long as you ask yourself this question: Am I properly resourced for this journey?

Illustrations: Shutterstock

Resourced is an important word for me. It’s not necessarily about money or equipment. It’s also about having the right information, making clear-sighted choices, and adopting a mindset that is focused on coping rather than ignoring your needs. Your energy - mental and physical - is the most important resource you have. Travel in a way that protects it, and you might even enjoy yourself.

Here are my tips for calm travel.